Texas private colleges are saying no to guns on campus

AUSTIN, Texas - When the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring public universities to allow concealed guns on campus, it gave private colleges the chance to follow suit. None has so far.

The opposition announced by more than 20 private schools has not surprised top Texas Republicans who championed the law as a matter of constitutional rights and self-defense. But it reflects a widespread belief even among conservative university leaders that guns have no place in the classroom.

The law's author, Sen. Brian Birdwell, says he wanted to protect the public's right of self-defense on public property but also supported the opt-out option for private schools.

The mandate frustrates University of Texas President Greg Fenves. Last week he begrudgingly approved rules allowing guns in his classrooms, saying the law gave him no alternative.